The objection I hear most often to allowing recreational marijuana sales in Florence is “I don’t want marijuana in Florence”. I don’t want five of the kinds of marijuana either, but there is one I want because of the income we can derive from it, and another that I’m ok with. Here they are.

1. Black/Grey market. It is here already, and it won’t go away. This is locally grown or smuggled in from Mexico. Along with it are meth and heroin, and the seller’s possible gang affiliation. Seventy percent of the people who use cannabis would prefer to buy state regulated product. This is the stuff our kids end up with because of ease of access and availability.

2. Colorado allows adults to possess up to two oz. of marijuana and up to six plants. I think this has become a problem, and these plants can end up in the grey and black market, and in the hands of juveniles. The state has provided rules as to how these plants are to be grown, but they are often ignored. If elected, I would encourage council to direct our police department to enforce the rules the state has provided.

3. Medical Marijuana. Medical marijuana is often confused with recreational marijuana. Both may be the same product, but they are sanctioned by different regulations and taxed differently. A person must have authorization from a Dr. and a state issued license to purchase medical marijuana. The tax revenue from medical marijuana is 250% less than the sales tax revenue on the same dollar transaction in recreational marijuana. Medical and Recreational marijuana may not be grown together.

4. Recreational Marijuana Grow Facilities. Recreational marijuana grow facilities are a separate license, and not a good option for Florence. Water would be an issue. Not that we would run out, but the possibility of losing Federal funding is not worth the risk.

5. Infused Product Manufacturing. Separate license, and most likely not a problem, but little potential for income to the town.

6. Marijuana Testing Laboratory. Separate license, not a problem, but small potential for income to the town.

7. Retail Recreational Marijuana Sales. This the form of marijuana operation I believe we should allow in Florence because of its significant potential for revenue because it generates 250% more sales tax on the same dollar transaction as another item, but demand is high, and these stores attract tourists. Not that people would travel to Florence just to buy legal marijuana, but they do travel to that major tourist attraction we have next door where they can’t buy it.

I hope this helps separate and clarify the marijuana name issue. And I would appreciate your vote.

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The issue before me now is this. The Fremont County Humane Society has increased our fees to house impounded animals for 5 days from $5,000.00 per year to $27,500.00 for a three year contract. We are trying to reach an agreement with the FCHC. If we can't, we will have to look for another solution to the stray animal problem.

I was elected to represent Ward 3, and I look forward to doing that, but also as a city Council member I represent all of Florence, and I look forward to hearing from you no matter what Ward you may reside in.

Please use this tab to express any concerns that you may have or that you would like for me to address. I prefer to work by email because that way there is a permanent record of our conversation.